This smoothie has it all – healthy fats from the avocado and spinach which is nutritionally dense and has remarkable abilities to restore energy, reduce oxidative stress and improve the quality of the blood. Mint has a calming effect on the stomach and the chia and linseed oils have many positive health benefits, not least in promoting gut health.
The nutritional low-down
Just 100g (about a 2 inch chunk) of the humble and unassuming cucumber will provide 4% of potassium (mood food), 3% fibre and 4% vitamin C intake of your daily allowance, all in just 16 calories.
Spinach which is well known for its nutritional qualities is high in polyphenols, packed with anti-oxidants.
Linseeds are high in Omega-3 Fats so if you are a vegetarian or don’t eat fish, linseed seeds can be your best source of omega-3 fats. They are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a mostly plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. ALA is one of the two essential fatty acids that you have to obtain from the food you eat, as your body doesn’t produce them. Studies have shown that the oil in linseeds prevent cholesterol from being deposited in the blood vessels of the heart, reduced inflammation in the arteries and reduced tumour growth.
Three cheers for chia seeds – they packed with vital nutrients for very few calories, boasting an impressive amount of anti-oxidants and almost all of the carbohydrate content is fibre. What’s more – they are almost 14% protein making them very energy and calorie efficient and very good for keeping you full, thus aiding weight loss.
Ingredients:
¼ Avocado
Squeeze juice of Lemon
Handful Spinach
½ cucumber
20 Mint Leaves 30g
350 ml unsweetened Almond milk
1 tbsp ground linseed
1-2 tbsp Chia Seed
Directions
Blend until desired texture is reached, add ice (optional) and blend again.
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Kumud Gandhi is a Nutritional Food Scientist bestselling Author, Broadcaster, and Keynote Speaker on the subject of nutritional health for productivity & performance in the workplace. In 2010 Kumud founded ‘The Cooking Academy’ a cookery school that focusses on cooking for nutritional health and wellbeing. Kumud regularly presents to international audiences on a variety of topics such as ‘Eating for Immunity and a Lifetime of Wellness’. She is an expert in the field of Wellness in the Workplace and works with organizations to create transformational change in employee health & well-being through nutrition and health coaching.
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